Every year on Valentine’s Day, my parents always give me a card and a small gift, like chocolates or a stuffed animal. Valentine’s Day 2015, I had felt so emotionally broken and torn apart because all of my friends had these great significant others and romantic plans. I know this sounds a little bit petty of me, however, I get lonely quite easily, which also isn’t my best trait.

I had practice that day and I was home alone. My parents had gone to stay in the city for the weekend, so, like few, I went home to my two dogs and lovable cat. I bought myself a nice pasta dinner after practice and decided to just relax the rest of the night. I sat on the couch after walking my dogs and noticed that my mom had left a card and a small gift. Like I mentioned earlier, this was usual.

Cards have always been my favorite part of any gift to open up. I love the cheesy and cliche lines that the Hallmark people come up with. Yes, they are cheesy and cliche, but they never fail to make you smile. I opened up the card that my mom had left me and took a long look at the front simply because it was too cute. The front was a black and white photo of little girls dressed as ballerinas with pink glitter used in different spots. However, the message my mom left for me overshadowed the entire card.

The week that had led into my night alone was emotionally stressful and my mom knew so. I told her everyday when I came home from school and she tried her best to cheer me up but I just wasn’t feeling it. The message she left read, “Remember the greatest things come when you’re not looking for them.” At the time I didn’t believe it fully but I teared up a bit when I read it.

It’s taken me up until the last few weeks to understand this advice and I can honestly say that I have taken it to heart and I can’t wait to see where this small piece of advice will land me. Thanks Mom, you’re pretty rad.